“Count it all joy when you fall into various trials knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience” (James 1:2)
During hard times, trials and temptations, “count it all joy”. This can be easier said than done; because we are both flesh and spirit. When everything is “right as rain”, being joyful is a surety. However, when trials hit, we often lose hope and focus and forget that they, too, are a part of life. Essentially, we want all the good and none of the bad. Like children, we sulk, cry and ask “Why?” as though it is some strange thing that has happened to us. We must ask ourselves, does being in our feelings really make the situation better? No, the situation will not improve. In fact, it will lengthen or worsen the situation depending on our attitude and how we react to the hardship. How we go through those challenging times, is paramount to enduring and ultimately getting through them.
Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened until you (1 Peter 4:12)
To Count It All Joy Provides The Peace That Surpasses All Understanding
Tears can cleanse the soul, time may heal our wounds, but our attitude plays an important part in our healing. Understand that we are not our circumstances and though trials undoubtedly will arise, they are only temporal. We should embrace each trial with the expectation that this too shall pass because God is in control. Whatever trial or circumstance we face, they are no match for the essence and the power of God. No situation is too big or too difficult for Him to resolve. Isn’t it comforting to know that no matter what may be happening around us, He is the anchor that will keep us grounded? He is the one that will keep us steadfast, and the sanity in a world that seems to have lost its mind. The Most High will provide the tranquility that will ease our mind giving us the peace that surpasses all understanding.
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as you have: for he has said, I will never leave you, nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)
We Don’t Go Through Alone
No matter how challenging the trial, we don’t go through alone. We have a cheerleader, who is constantly pushing us and cheering us on to the finish line. When we recognize this, we can pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and wipe away the tears. We will view each trial as a setup for a blessing at the end. We will see it for what it is; An opportunity for growth and a chance to glorify The Most High. It is He that prepares us and equips us not only for the trial, but for the Victory over them. Tough times and harassment from the enemy will never cease, and as Believers we should not expect them to. God promises neither to leave us nor forsake us. He will go with us through each trial until we come out on the other side.
“And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The Lord is my God” (Zechariah 13:9)
“But he knows the way that I take: when he has tried me, I shall come forth as gold. My foot has held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined.” (Job 23:10-11)
Battle Tested and Ready for the Next Trial
It is not a matter of “if” trials and tribulations will come, but when. We can actively try to avoid them by being obedient to our Heavenly Father. However, even the prophets, the Saints and Christ himself had to endure trials and hardships until the end. We must prepare ourselves not as the heathen or carnal-minded do, but as the righteous have done. Count it all joy and as a blessing to be tried as gold in a furnace; For at the end of our trials, we will be battle tested and ready for the next test which will come regardless our are readiness.
“And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience, and patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope makes not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit which is given unto us.” (Romans 5:3-6)
“My son, if you come to serve the Lord, prepare your soul for temptation. Set your heart aright, and constantly endure, and make not haste in time of trouble. Cleave unto him, and depart not away, that you may be increased at your last end. Whatsoever is brought upon you take cheerfully, and be patient when you are changed to a low estate” (Ecclesiasticus 2:1-4).